Damage characteristics of semi-infinite aluminium targets subjected to normal and oblique projectile impact

Abstract

The present study investigates the ballistic performance of 50 mm thick 7075-T651 aluminum target against 7.62 API projectile. The focus of this study is to understand the dissipation of total energy engendered by the projectile in impacting the plate target at 0 (normal), 30° and 60° obliquities. Further, the penetration mechanisms and local as well as global plastic deformations developed in the target and projectile were explored. The ballistic experiments on the targets were performed by employing a universal gun and the depth of penetration of the projectile in the target was observed. Three-dimensional computational modelling of projectile and target was carried out in ABAQUS/Explicit module. The material response of both projectile and target was described by the Johnson-Cook strength and damage model. The influence of projectile deformation on the impact resistance of targets was also studied. The plastic strain energy dissipation in the target as well as projectile was evaluated using the validated numerical results and discussed in terms of the damage evolution and local as well as global deformation modes developed in the target and projectile during the impact process.